REEF

105 S. 6th St., Boise, 287-9200

www.reefboise.com

It’s tough to beat the Reef’s outdoor rooftop bar Downtown on one of those hot summer nights in Boise. Tiki torches illuminate patrons in flower dresses and mostly unbuttoned shirts surrounding the 360-degree bar, where tropical drinks get ordered like it’s Cancun or St. Martin.

But be careful. The Zombie, which is made with two kinds of rum, a couple of other liquors and fruit juice and puree, can turn you into one pretty quickly. Meanwhile, the Cursed Margarita is like a Jamaican rainbow in your mouth.

Inside the Reef, you’ll find a stage for live music, which runs the gamut from local bands to touring funk, rock and socially conscious hip-hop. (Portland’s Chicharones are booked regularly.) The centerpiece of the room is another 360-degree bar. There’s also a private “Hemingway Room” for groups. Hungry? The Reef has a full lunch and dinner menu, too.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Bar Gernika, 202 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 344-2175. www.bargernika.com

• Modern Hotel, 1314 W. Grove St., Boise, 424-8244. www.themodernhotel.com

• Dutch Goose, 3515 W. State St., Boise, 342-8887, 2502 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, 459-9363. www.dutchgoose.com

• Pinnacle Sports Bar & Grill, 2902 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, 884-4400.www.pinnaclesportsgrill.com